Preview: The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting

Our June fixture is centred around one of the most popular and iconic showjumping classes in the world – the Al Shira’aa Derby.

Held on the final Sunday afternoon of the show, the Hickstead Derby includes famous fences such as the 10ft 6in Derby Bank, the tricky Devil’s Dyke, the double of water ditches and the vast Open Water. It is a measure of how difficult the course is that there have been only 65 clear rounds since 1961, when the class first took place. Last year just one rider managed to secure an elusive clear – Irishman Shane Breen, who had been trying to win the Derby for 17 years before finally securing victory with the talented stallion Can Ya Makan.  

Shane will be going all out to retain the trophy, but he’ll face tough opposition from the likes of five-time runner-up, Harriet Biddick. Harriet has an astounding record at the All England Jumping Course, and last year she added to her tally of wins with another victory in the British Speed Derby. The fast and furious class is the highlight of Saturday’s action.

The international action kicks off on Thursday 22 June with the Derby Tankard, while on Friday riders must secure their Al Shira’aa Derby qualification in the Agria Derby Trial, a World Ranking class in its own right. But while the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting is best known for international showjumping, there’s so much more to see and do including hundreds of national jumping classes for horses and ponies of all sizes, plus championship showing, scurry driving and lots more. Visitors can enjoy browsing in the large shopping village; families will love the funfair, while the many bars, restaurants and street food stands offer something for everyone.

New for 2023, we have ringside picnic parking positions available overlooking the Longines International Arena – available to book online (when booking admission tickets) for Saturday and Sunday of the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, costing £100 per car. Forward Parking will also be available to book for the weekend (£25 per car).

Tickets start from £20 with advance discounts and concessions available; Thursday 22 June is free general admission for all while Friday and Saturday offers free admission to all under-15s when booked in advance. A huge range of hospitality options are also available, including Private Boxes, the Members’ Restaurant and the Al Shira’aa Suite. 

Visit the Box Office here.